TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec, May 1, 2016 – The Hippodrome 3R enjoyed a splendid opening day program for 2016 that featured warmer than normal weather, a super-fast race oval, high priced winners in nearly every race and a full and competitive program with eleven action packed races.
"What a great day to start our new season," said 3R general manager Vincent Trudel. "Our numbers both on track and from simulcasting were the best opening day over the past four years.
"The fans came out today and really enjoyed themselves," Trudel said, "And that was important. Our staff worked hard to make everything ready for today and it has paid off. It is a "feel good" way to start off the race meet and we hope it carries over for the season."
Race fans hoping for a hidden payoff gem saw an average win price for the eleven races at an impressive $27.00. Of the eleven races, only four favorites were winners and all eleven races were won by different drivers.
Usually it takes a few race days before the track surface settles in but opening day the oval was in perfect shape with nine of the eleven races going under 2:00.
The fastest mile on the card came in the 9th race pace as C C Nite Raider was able to overcome starting from post seven and getting parked out to the opening quarter mile by April Bandit (Jean Briere) in :27.4 before wiring the field.
Driven by Pascal Berube, C C Nite Raider was able to hold on to the lead the rest of the mile to win by a quarter length over Rainbow Palace and April Bandit in 1:57.
On the trotting side, Michelangelo and reigning two-time 3R driving champion, Denis St-Pierre, also overcame post seven and wired the field in the eighth race feature trot in 1:58.2.
Shipping in from Rideau Carlton, it was the third win this year for Michelangelo, who won with east by three and one-quarter lengths for trainer Chelsea Knapp of Prescott, Ontario.
The Hippodrome 3R will race on Sunday's only until May 24, the first of their Tuesday night programs at 7:00 pm.
For more information, race results, free programs and live race feeds, visit www.quebecjockeyclub.com.
From the Quebec Jockey Club